Recently, concerns have arisen about the sale of non-approved LPG filling hoses on the market. In this article, we explain why it is important to pay close attention when purchasing hoses suitable for high-pressure LPG and why using approved hoses is essential for the safety and reliability of LPG installations.
Perforated gas hoses versus hydraulic hoses: The main difference between an LPG gas hose and a conventional hydraulic hose is that a gas hose is ‘perforated.’ This means that small holes have been made in the outer sheath layer of the hose. These holes act as a kind of membrane, allowing gas to escape and evaporate in a controlled manner between the inner and outer layers. In a non-perforated hose, this is not possible, which can lead to blistering in the hose due to the pressure of the gas. This causes gas-filled deformations in the outer sheath. For this reason, ordinary hydraulic hoses should not be used for gas.
European regulation – Regulation 67 (R67): The safety and reliability of LPG installations are regulated by European rules, namely the so-called Regulation 67, or simply R67. This regulation describes in detail the requirements and specifications that must be met. National inspections throughout Europe adhere to these rules. Moreover, these legal requirements for installations are also a prerequisite for insurers to provide coverage for a vehicle.
Categories of gas hoses according to R67: R67 divides gas hoses into two categories based on their maximum working pressure:
- Hoses with a maximum working pressure up to 4.5 BAR (class 2). Class 2 hoses are in no case suitable for filling and can only be used in the low-pressure section.
- Hoses with a maximum working pressure up to 30 BAR (class 1). This type applies to LPG filling hoses, as well as hoses that form the connection between the fuel tank and the high-pressure side of the pressure regulator).
The specific application of a gas hose in an installation thus depends on the pressure. For comparison: the pressure in an inner tube of a racing bike is usually between 6 and 8 BAR.
Supervision of R67: The government strictly enforces compliance with R67. Homologation according to these standards is an extensive and costly process, and manufacturers are regularly checked through audits to ensure R67 compliance. For cars, this coincides with the periodic (annual) inspection. Although R67 is easy to download, one should be aware that the document consists of approximately 150 pages.
Conclusion: It is of great importance to use only approved LPG filling hoses that comply with European R67 regulations. With us, you can confidently purchase flexible filling hoses that meet the requirements of R67 class 1. We distribute hoses from the renowned brand Parker, a reliable choice for your LPG installation. This way, you know for sure that you are investing in quality and safety, and you are guaranteed a reliable and durable product.
How can you check if the hose is R67 Class 1 approved?
To verify whether an LPG hose complies with R67 regulations, you should check the following markings on the hose:
- LPG
- “EХ 67R-01 XXXX”
- Class 1
If the hose contains these markings, you can be sure that it is an approved R67 class 1 hose.